![]() ![]() If your cucumber’s side shoots are still small and fresh, pinch them off with your fingernails. Any fruits developing here will not ripen anyway, and the remaining fruit will continue to ripen as usual. If your plant is becoming too large, cut off the top of the main shoot at the end of the season.Cut them off after the first couple of fruit sets. For shoots 50cm above the ground, regularly check the leaf axils for side shoots. ![]() If your cucumber plant is thriving, remove the lower leaves to help it stay healthy. ![]() Check your young plants regularly for “prickly” shoots and remove them where necessary.With that in mind, for climbing varieties, it is best to remove all side shoots that are within 50cm of the ground. The greater the distance between the soil and the first leaf, the more difficult it is for pathogens to penetrate the plant.Start pruning at the bottom of the plant. If you do decide to prune your cucumbers, all you need are your fingers, and possibly a sharp knife for any thick side shoots. Once a side shoot has been removed, no new shoots will grow in their place Instructions for trimming cucumbers The good news is that, unlike tomatoes, you need only prune your cucumber plants once, because no new shoots will develop on a cut leaf axil. Weigh the pros and cons to decide whether pruning your plants is best. Without water, most pathogens cannot take hold. Tip: Prune in the morning and in dry weather so that the wounds dry quickly. Pruning creates an open wound, which weakens the plant and leaves it open to pathogens.You may end up removing fertile side shoots.The microclimate within the stand can be positively influenced by pruning Disadvantages of pruning Fruit control: By removing unwanted shoots you ensure that your plant puts energy towards fruit growth and not leaf growth.This is important, because cucumber plants are susceptible to soil-borne diseases and mildew. Disease control: Removing the lower side shoots and thinning out the foliage improves aeration, so the plant will dry faster.Growth control: In a greenhouse, where space is limited, pruning ensures your plants grow up and not out.However, there are still several good reasons to do prune your plants: There is no scientific evidence that pruning increases fruit yield. Opinions differ on whether it is necessary to prune cucumber plants. ![]()
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